There’s no denying that personal transportation devices are increasing in popularity. As technology gets better, these devices will only get better, and it’s not a stretch to say these machines will be as ubiquitous as smart phones in a few years. Among the most reliable and well-known manufacturers of these electric rideables is Segway Ninebot, a company that’s been making self-balancing hoverboards, personal transporters, and electric scooters since the early 2000s. Indeed, among all the manufacturers that have come out to fill this ever-growing niche, the Segway Ninebot brand is among the few that is often associated with reliability and great build quality.
But with the bevy of Segway personal transportation devices available, choosing what to get can be more than a bit confusing. Below we have a roundup of the best Segways available and the features and limitations of each.
The Best Segways
The Ninebot Max is one of the most popular electric scooters available, and for good reason. It has a powerful 350-watt motor that delivers a maximum speed of 18.6 miles per hour and a maximum range of 40.4 miles. It has a one-step folding system so you can store it inside a trunk or in any tight space, and it is fitted with 10-inch pneumatic tires for increased rider safety and comfort. While it’s not the lightest electric scooter at 38.6 pounds, it’s still light enough to be lugged around with relative ease. The LED digital dashboard is user friendly, showing basic information like battery power, riding mode, and speed information, and the overall construction feels very high quality like one can expect from a Segway product.
One drawback is that the absence of a suspension means this scooter is best ridden on paved city roads.
- Powerful 350-watt motor
- Long 40.4-mile range
- A maximum speed of 18.6 miles per hour
- 10-inch pneumatic tires
- Brand Segway
- Model G30P
- Weight 42.1 pounds
Excellent build quality
User-friendly interface
On the heavy side
No suspension
Pricier than competition
The Segway Ninebot ES2 is an affordable, fun, and efficient way to travel around the city. This electric scooter has a nice build quality and is fitted with a powerful 300-watt motor that offers a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour as well as a maximum range of 15 miles. At only 27.6 pounds, it’s also very portable with a one-step folding system that allows it to be stored or carried with ease. The front and rear shock absorbers feel nimble and work well to dampen minor bumps on the road, and both its electronic and rear foot brakes are responsive, offering a safe braking distance.
One drawback to the Ninebot ES2 is its 15-mile range, which might be too low for some. Another is that the Ninebot ES2 rattles loudly on rough roads, despite its dual suspension system.
- Powerful 300-watt motor
- A maximum speed of 15 miles per hour
- Front and rear suspension
- Brand Segway
- Model ES2
- Weight 27.6 pounds
Excellent build quality
User-friendly interface
Relatively low maximum range
Rattles on rough roads
If you’re looking for a high-quality hoverboard-like commuter, then we recommend the Segway Ninebot S. It’s fitted with dual 400-watt motors that deliver a top speed of 10 miles per hour and a maximum range of 13.7 miles. Its 10.5-inch, air-filled tires glide over rough terrain with ease, and its detachable knee-operated steering column makes balancing so much easier compared to other hoverboard designs. The frame of the hoverboard, which can carry up to 220 pounds, is made from aircraft-grade magnesium alloy, and it feels soundly constructed. Additionally, some features of the Nine S, including speed settings and the color of its lights, can be controlled via a downloadable app.
Taller riders might find the steering column’s lack of adjustment a bother, however, and might have difficulty controlling the hoverboard as a result.
- Powerful dual 400-watt motor
- Pneumatic tires
- Knee-operated steering column
- App connectivity and control
- Brand Segway
- Model Ninebot S
- Weight 28.2 pounds
Excellent build quality
All-terrain capabilities
Low top speed
Low range for a personal commuter
Lack of steering column adjustment
The Segway Ninebot S-Plus is an improved version of the standard model. It retains a lot of the older model’s features, like the knee-operated steering column, the all-terrain tires, the fantastic build quality, and the app connectivity that allows users to control a variety of features of the hoverboard, including light colors, speed options, and a lot more else. Although this hoverboard utilizes the same powerful dual 400-watt motor, it has managed to increase its speed to 12.5 mph, and its range to up to 22 miles. Segway also boasts that this hoverboard can charge from zero to full in as fast as 4 hours.
Although this model improved on the standard model by a lot, the maximum speed of 12.5 mph might still leave other buyers wanting.
- Powerful dual 400-watt motor
- Maximum range of 22 miles
- Large 11-inch pneumatic, all-terrain tires
- Brand Segway
- Model S plus
- Weight 36 pounds
Excellent build quality
User-friendly interface
App connectivity and control
Low top speed of 12.5 miles per hour
The height of the knee column is not adjustable
The Segway Ninebot ES4 has one of the best ranges in its class. This is of course in no small part because of its powerful 800-watt motor that can propel riders to a top speed of 19 miles per hour and has a maximum range of 28 miles. Just like every other Segway product, the ES4 has a great build quality and can fold up very quickly. It’s not the lightest at 31 pounds, but it’s still light enough to carry around like a suitcase or up a short flight of stairs.
Unfortunately, the ES4, like the other electric scooters in Segway’s ES line, is only comfortable to use over paved city roads.
- Powerful 800-watt motor
- Maximum range of 28 miles
- Top speed of 19 miles per hour
- Brand Segway
- Model ES4
- Weight 31 pounds
Excellent build quality
User-friendly interface
Suspension not great over rough roads
Pricy
For short distance commutes, one can’t go wrong with the Segway Ninebot ES1L. It looks great and feels premium with its aviation-grade series 6 aluminum alloy construction. As can be expected from Segway personal transport devices, this one can be folded in one step, too, and is, at 24.9 pounds, light enough to lug around when needed. Its 250-watt brushless motor can reach speeds of up to 12.4 miles per hour, and this same motor allows for a maximum range of around 12.4 miles. It’s fitted with a front shock absorber as well as 8-inch tires to help dampen bumps and dips on the road.
One feature conspicuously lacking in the Ninebot ES1L is app connectivity — riders who opt for this electric scooter will have to do without it.
- Powerful 250-watt motor
- Front suspension
- Brand Segway
- Model ES1L
- Weight 24.9 pounds
Excellent build quality
User-friendly interface
Low 12-mile range
Low top speed of 12.4 miles per hour
Suspension not great over rough roads
No app connectivity
Another great option for the short distance commuter is the Segway Ninebot E22. Its 300-watt brushless motor offers a maximum speed of 12.4 miles per hour, and a maximum range of around 13.7 miles. What’s particularly noteworthy about the E22, however, is it’s 15 percent hill grade capability, which means it’s capable of handling inclines with relative ease. The E22 offers three riding modes — cruise control, normal mode, and sports mode. Each riding mode offers varying speeds and power, and riders can control these settings on the user-friendly interface at the front center. Lastly, the E22 has an impressive charging time, going from zero to full in just 3.5 hours.
The E22, however, suffers from the same drawback as the rest of Segway’s ES line, that is to say, they don’t ride well on anything other than paved city roads.
- Powerful 300-watt motor
- Maximum range of 13.7 miles per hour
- Front suspension
- Fast charging
- Brand Segway
- Model E22
- Weight 29.8 pounds
Excellent build quality
User-friendly interface
Low top speed
Suspension not great over rough roads
Kids will love the Segway Ninebot eKickScooter, which was specially designed with them in mind. Its 150-watt motor can reach speeds of up to 10 miles per hour and offers a maximum range of 6.3 miles. As can be expected from Segway, this electric scooter has a great build quality and will be able to handle more than its fair share of abuse. It’s fitted with a high-performance handbrake system and its front tires have a spring damping system to ensure a smooth and safe ride. This electric scooter is very light at 18.7 pounds and it has a one-step folding system so older kids won’t have a problem carrying it around.
This electric scooter isn’t meant to be used for commuting around the city but older teens might want something that will offer more range, however.
- Powerful 150-watt motor
- A maximum speed of 10 miles per hour
- Front suspension
- Brand Segway
- Model E8/E10
- Weight 18.7 pounds
Excellent build quality
User-friendly interface
Affordable
Low top speed
Low speed
Suspension not great over rough roads
The Segway Ninebot Drift W1 is for the commuter who wants to travel in something more unique than the traditional electric scooter or hoverboard. Some will use the word hovershoes to refer to the device, and for good reason. Each “shoe” is made from magnesium alloy, which means it will be able to take a lot of abuse and is rated IP54, so users can go through small puddles without worrying about damaging the device. A fully charged battery will last around 45 minutes, and Segway boasts that the 200-watt motor can deliver a top speed of around 7.5 miles per hour.
Unfortunately, you’ll need to wait three hours for both shoes to be fully charged up, which some might consider a little too long for something that lasts a mere 45 minutes on a single charge.
- Powerful 200-watt motor
- A maximum speed of 7.5 miles per hour
- IP54 rating
- Front suspension
- Brand Segway
- Model W1
- Weight 15.4 pounds
Excellent build quality
Unique
Low top speed
45-minute runtime
The Segway Ninebot ES1 is one of the first models to come out of Segway’s electric scooter line and it’s been popular ever since. Like any other Segway product, the ES2 has a quality build and has all the basic features many look for in an electric scooter. Its upgraded 300-watt motor can propel the scooter to 15 miles per hour and has a maximum range of around 15 miles. At 24.9 pounds, it’s easy to carry around. It also has a one-click folding feature that allows the electric scooter to be folded easily for storage or carried like a suitcase. The front shock absorbers as well as the large tires work well to dampen bumps on the road, and the dual-braking system (mechanical and electric) ensures fast, efficient, and responsive braking.
The speed and range of this electric scooter, however, might be too low for more experienced riders.
- Powerful 300-watt motor
- A maximum speed of 15 miles per hour
- Front suspension
- Brand Segway
- Model ES1
- Weight 24.9 pounds
Excellent build quality
User-friendly interface
Low 15-mile range
Suspension not great over rough roads
Best Segways Buying Guide & FAQ
If you’re on the market for a Segway, there will of course be a few things that you will need to keep in mind. The first thing you need to determine is the kind of Segway product that will best suit your needs. If you’re in the market for a commuting device, then an electric scooter will be the best option among Segway’s range of electric rideables. This isn’t to say that Segway’s hoverboards aren’t good for commuting, because they are. Indeed, Segway’s all-terrain hoverboards will be great for short-distance commuting, and you’ll even be able to handle moderate off-roading better than their electric scooters on one.
Ultimately, whether it’s a self-balancing hoverboard or an electric scooter, the choice is up to you and will depend on your specific transport needs. Needless to say, Segway is one of the most popular manufacturers of electric rideables and they’ll likely have the perfect product for you.
Benefits of Driving a Segway
There are many benefits to riding a Segway. The most obvious one is, of course, that they are fun. Indeed, Segway personal transport devices offer a fun and efficient way to go from point A to point B in an environmentally-friendly way, without the fumes and harmful pollutants. Segway’s devices are also less expensive than conventional transport devices like motorbikes or cars — and they are easier to maintain, which will compound your savings even more in the long run.
Lastly, these electric rideables are easy to get into; you won’t have to spend hours training on how to ride one, and there’s not much of a learning curve to contend with when it comes to riding an electric scooter or a hoverboard. It will only take a few minutes of practice to be competent enough to ride a Segway for your daily commute.
- They are convenient. They can be folded, carried, or stored with ease.
- They are inexpensive compared to other forms of transportation.
- They are environmentally friendly.
- They are simply a fun way to get around the city.
The Most Common Types of Segways
Segway is a popular and reliable manufacturer of different kinds of electric rideables. To help you decide what kind of personal transport device to get below is a description of the basic types of Segway Ninebot products, each with its advantages and disadvantages as commuting devices.
Electric Scooters
Electric scooters have become very popular in recent years because they are convenient, easy to use, and — perhaps most importantly — can get people to where they need to go in both a fast and fun manner. The overall design of an electric scooter makes it easy to get into, and this is primarily the reason why they are currently the most popular personal commuting devices that Segway Ninebot produces.
A lot of Segway Ninebot’s electric scooters can go the distance, cruise up hills, and don’t require much maintenance. So if it’s a city commuter that you need, then you can’t go wrong with an electric scooter.
Self-Balancing Scooters or Hoverboards
Self-balancing, two-wheeled personal transporters have come a long way since the very first Segway that was designed with a handlebar. These devices are fitted with tilt-sensors and gyroscopic sensors to keep riders upright at all times. A self-balancing hoverboard offers an effortless way to go around the city, and control of the device is often described as intuitive. Indeed, all that is needed to control the device is to lean towards the direction you want to go.
In terms of commuting, hoverboards will deliver the same advantages as an electric scooter, albeit with more limited speed and range.
Other Personal Transport Products
Needless to say, Segway Ninebot manufactures more than just electric scooters and self-balancing hoverboards. They also make electric bicycles, electric mopeds, and battery-powered ATVs/ UTVs. These other kinds of electric transport machines are less popular than their electric scooter and self-balancing hoverboard lines, but, depending on your exact needs, they can still be great alternatives to other more traditional forms of transportation.
Segway’s new line of electric mopeds are ridden like traditional mopeds and can travel as far as 124 miles. They come in different variants and offer similar connectivity to what one will find in their electric kick scooter lines.
How We Tested Segways
To come up with a list of the Best Segway Ninebot personal transport devices, we first determined what Segway Ninebot’s best sellers were. It was clear that the company’s electric scooter line was the most popular among the bevy of product lines Segway offers, and readers interested to know how Segway devices fare against electric scooters from other brands can check out our review of the Best Electric Scooters available in the market.
Following that, we compared each product in terms of build quality, features, and price. We eventually concluded that the Segway Ninebot Max offers the best balance between these considerations, which explains why this model of electric scooter has become so popular in the electric rideable market.
The Most Important Features of Segways
The high build quality of Segway Ninebot electric rideables is what sets them apart from other electric rideable manufacturers, so much so that Segway Ninebot has become one of the most recognized brands in the industry. With technology (especially battery technology) improving at a rapid pace, Segway Ninebot has also been able to develop increasingly better electric rideables year after year.
Below are a few of the key features one can expect to get from a Segway Ninebot personal transport device.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Like we mentioned, Segway Ninebot is a well-known brand in the electric rideable industry because of the superior quality of its products, and this quality extends to its batteries. Not only are Segway Ninebot’s batteries fast-charging, but they are also relatively long-lasting compared to the competition.
Another thing that a lot of people also appreciate about Segway Ninebot electric kick scooters is that their batteries are very easy to replace, with some of Segway Ninebot’s electric kick scooter lines even having the ability to draw power from an external battery source, which can effectively double the electric kick scooter’s range.
Military-Grade Tires
Segway Ninebot can also be said to be an industry leader when it comes to tire technology. The tires fitted in their electric rideables will vary from product to product, with some being better suited for certain road conditions than others, but what can be expected from Segway Ninebot is that each of their electric rideables can be expected to have tires that are of excellent quality.
Some of their more expensive electric rideables that Segway Ninebot offers will have large, pneumatic, air-filled tires, while some will have airless ones that Segway boasts are puncture-proof. Whatever the case may be, Segway Ninebot users are always assured of military-grade tires that won’t damage easily.
Smartphone App Compatibility
If there is another feature common among electric rideables that Segway Ninebot has gotten down to a tee, it’s app connectivity. Each Segway Ninebot personal transport device has a Bluetooth function that allows the device to connect to any blue-tooth enabled mobile phone via a downloadable app. This allows users to see information like riding data, mileage, battery life, and other stats from their mobile phones.
For some of Segway Ninebot’s electric kick scooter lines, one can even set speed limits, set cruise control options, lock the scooter’s tires, or control the LED lights around the scooter from the downloadable app.
Tips for Choosing a Segway
When choosing a Segway Ninebot, there are a few things that you will first need to determine. The first is what you’ll be using the device for. Will you be using it as personal transport for your daily commute, or will you simply be using it to zip around the city occasionally? The answer to these questions can already determine the perfect Segway device for you. Whatever the case may be, Segway Ninebot has a range of products that can answer any of your transport needs.
Your daily commute might require an electric kick scooter that has a long-range, for instance, or it might consist of a few hilly areas that you’ll need to traverse. Below are a few tips for choosing the right Segway Ninebot Device.
- Determine the range you’ll need to cover regularly, and the route you’ll need to be taking, whether it’s through flat, paved city roads, or more hilly and off-road areas.
- Electric scooters with better range and speed will be heavier, so one also needs to consider the weight if one expects to be carrying the device up a flight of stairs or into a bus regularly.
- Segway Ninebot electric rideables can vary quite a lot in terms of price — and quality and features will, of course, increase with price. It would be best to get the device that answers your needs and offers the best balance between these considerations.
Best Segways FAQ:
A Segway Ninebot personal transport device has computers, motors, and sensors fitted in its base and is therefore a machine that needs to be maintained and taken care of. Indeed, Segways are well-built and are known to last a long time if used properly. In this regard, below are a few of the most common questions about Segway Ninebot devices.
Segway Ninebot’s mopeds offer the best speeds, but when it comes to their electric kick scooters, the Segway Ninebot Max, which can propel riders to 18.6 miles per hour, is the fastest.
A high-quality lithium-ion battery pack from Segway will last around three to five years. The tires and frame will last much longer, depending on how you use the device.
Under splashing light rain and over puddles will generally be fine, but submerging a Segway in water, even for short periods, can cause damage.
Our Top Pick
The Ninebot Max, in our opinion, is one of the best Segway personal transport devices available in the market today, and it handily gets our pick for Best Segway. It is well-built, has a powerful motor, and an impressive range of 40.4 miles, making it the best electric scooter that Segway produces.
Final Thoughts
The Segway Ninebot Max is fun and feature-packed. This electric rideable will make you want to zip around the city more often than you’ll need to, and it gets our pick for Best Segway Overall. If you need a more affordable but feature-rich option, check out the Segway Ninebot ES2.
Sources:
- Segway – Wikipedia